4-1 BB ligand--just another costimulating molecule?

H R Salih1, P A Kiener, V Nüssler

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital of the Eberhard Karls University, Tübingen, Gernany. Helmut.Salih@med.uni-tuebingen.de

Initially, scientific interest in the 4-1BB/4-1BB Ligand system focused on the role of the 4-1BB (CD137) receptor in the costimulation of T cells. More recently, evidence is accumulating that 4-1BBL is more than "just" the ligand for a costimulatory molecule. In this review we discuss the functional properties of 4-1BB Ligand such as its preference for CD8 positive T cells and the differences to costimulation via the B7/CD28 system. Furthermore, the available data regarding its ability to transduce signals bidirectionally, i.e. also back into the ligand bearing cell, its release as a soluble form following shedding from the cell surface, and its role in the interaction of tumor cells with the immune system are reviewed.

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